Fifth-grader makes bracelets for Haiti relief

Kaileen Herman, 10, and her friends saw the devastation in Haiti on TV and decided they wanted to help. "I came up with making bracelets and all of our profits go to Haiti," said Kaileen.

The fifth-grader and her friends are making bracelets, which they'll sell for $2. The proceeds will be donated to the relief efforts to help victims of the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Port-Au-Prince.

"Why don't' we figure out a way so we can make money to send over to them to rebuild their country?" said Kim Herman, Kaileen's mother.

Kaileen and her friends decided to spend Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Day working on the bracelets at Kaileen's Tinley Park home.

"This is important because so many kids don't have anything. We could help them out," said Katie Kavelage, Kaileen's friend.

"I feel really bad for the people in Haiti where they had the earthquake and I really want to help them," said Leah Schissler, Kaileen's friend.

"This really doesn't surprise me. These girls are sweet. For them to do something like this really doesn't surprise me," said Jenny Schissler, Leah's mother.

The girls started threading the bracelets early Monday and plan to continue until they get tired. Already, word of their work is spreading.

"I think it is a great project. I think it's great the kids are getting involved," said Laura Scott, who bought two bracelets.

"I think it's important because the kids in Haiti don't have a lot and I think when we raise the money it will be for a very good cause," said Amanda Haubenreiser, Kaileen's friend.

"I think it's for a very good cause and you shouldn't get overwhelmed and you should just be yourself, make your own bracelets," said Kaileen.